2011 Xanadu 'Reserve' Cabernet Sauvignon

98 Points - Tyson Stelzer
If Stevens represents Xanadu’s most refined expression of cabernet, Reserve is its most concentrated style, a wine of intense blackcurrants and black pastilles, yet maintaining impressive structural poise and stamina. Hints of mint and menthol are likely a reflection of the eucalypt trees surrounding the Timber Creek single vineyard in Wilyabrup. Considerable structural presence of very firm, fine, gravelly tannins promise great things in the cellar.

96 Points Huon Hooke, The Real Review
Deepish red colour with a tinge of purple. The bouquet is of a multiplicity of black fruits, with the faintest tinge of dried herb and perfectly dove-tailed oak. Rich, full-bodied, gloriously lush blackberry fruit flavour takes centre stage. An outstanding cabernet.

96 Points Bob Campbell, The Real Review
Reasonably intense and elegant wine with surprising power and length. Berry, coffee, chocolate, violet and French oak flavours. Impressive wine with obvious cellaring potential.

95 Points, Gary Walsh, The Wine Front
Perfumed, black fruited, spice, dusty bay leaf, mocha oak. Full bodied, rich and ripe with a big punch of open weave tannin, neat acidity and a very long finish – all gravel, cherry and dark mint chocolate. Large scale but not thunderous, silly, over-oaked or over-ripe. It’s a beauty!